All the recipes are made on site in the kitchen by ODC employees Kay Metcalf and Tiffany Berger, who are the only two who know the secret recipes.

Metcalf said they try to use North Dakota products to create their products. They purchase their sugar from Crystal Sugar, their pasta from Dakota Growers in Carrington, and their flour from the mill in Grand Forks. Their lentils come from Jamestown.

“We try to do as much business in the state as we can,” Metcalf said.
The products are packaged and finished in the facility too.

One way the ODC plans to expand its line is by adding products that are gluten-free. Simonson explained that gluten-free foods benefit people who have autism. She said products that do not contain gluten have been shown to lessen autistic symptoms.

Pride of Dakota is a program created to provide marketing to North Dakota businesses. Pride of Dakota members are able to attend showcases to sell their products and have access to grant and educational opportunities.

Other well-known Pride of Dakota food products are Cloverdale Meats, based in Mandan, and Baker Boy Bake Shop, based in Dickinson.

Sue Milender, food service director at Valley City Public Schools, said the food services staff tries to “support products that are made or produced in North Dakota.”

But not all Pride of Dakota companies sell food. Other companies sell jewelry, photography and spa products along with a long list of North Dakota-based manufacturers.